Main
Hugh Cross
I am a computational biologist with a background in ecology and evolutionary genetics. I work on projects across the tree of life, utilising many kinds of data and multiple approaches. With biodiversity studies as a centerpoint, I have naturally come to specialise in metagenomics research. To study any environment is to study a community of genes engaged in molecular dialogues–both within and between species, and this requires a community of researchers working together. I hope to find this team.
Education
Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Columbia University
New York, NY
2003
M.Sc., Plant Breeding and Genetics
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
1998
B.A., Anthropology
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO
1993
Selected Positions
Bioinformatician
Department of Anatomy, University of Otago
N/A
Present - 2017
- Conducting bioinformatic analyses on several projects in the department, including on genome and transcriptome assembly and annotation, gene expression, population and phylogenetic research
- Training staff and students in basic and advanced data analysis methods
Scientist
Department of Forest Health, Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)
N/A
2017 - 2013
- Primary responsibility was conducting bioinformatic analyses on several projects in the department of Forest Health at the institute, including genome and transcriptome assembly, gene expression, population and phylogenetic research of plants, animals, and fungus, and metagenomics
Molecular Botanist
State Herbarium of South Australia
N/A
2013 - 2008
- Conducted research in all areas of plant and fungal genomics, including genomic, transcriptomic, and bioinformatic applications for biodiversity and ecology
- Main coordinator for DNA Barcoding projects
- Trained and consulted with staff for next generation sequencing research
Selected Publications
Publications Overview:
Citations: 1400
h-index: 14
Molecular underpinnings of long-term methyl jasmonate-induced resistance in Norway spruce
Plant Cell & Environment 43: 1827-1843.
N/A
2020
- Magerøy, M., Wilkinson, S., Tengs, T., Cross, H.B., Almvik, M., Petriacq, P., Vivian-Smith, A., Zhao, T., Fossdal, C.G., Krokene, P.
Fungal diversity and seasonal succession in ash leaves infected by the invasive ascomycete Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
New Phytologist, 213(3): 1405-1417
N/A
2017
- Cross, H.B., Sønstebø, J.H., Nagy, N.E., Timmermann, V., Solheim, H., Børja, I., Kauserud, H., Carlsen, T., Rzepka, B., Wasak, K., Vivian-Smith, A., Hietala, A.M.
Effective application of next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches in systematics and population genetics - case studies in Eucalyptus and Acacia
Australian Systematic Botany 29(3): 235-246
N/A
2016
- Cross, H.B., Biffin, E., van Dijk, K., Lowe, A., Waycott, M.
Distribution and abundance of the introduced ectomycorrhizal fungus, Amanita phalloides, in North America
New Phytologist 185: 803-816
N/A
2010
- Wolfe B.E., Richard, F., Cross, H.B., and Pringle A.
The ectomycorrhizal fungus Amanita phalloides was introduced and is expanding its range on the west coast of North America
Molecular Ecology 18: 817-833
N/A
2009
- Pringle, A., Rachel I. Adams, R. I., Cross, H.B., Bruns, T.D.
The ecological implications of a Yakutian mammoth’s last meal
Quaternary Research 69: 361-376
N/A
2008
- van Geel, B., Aptroot, A., Baittinger, C., Birks, H.H., Bull, I.D., Kompanje, E.J.O., Cross, H.B., Evershed, R.P., Gravendeel, B., Kuperus, P., Nierop, K.G.J., Mol, D., Pals, J.P., Tikhonov, A. N., van Reenen, G., and van Tienderen, P.H.
Selected Teaching and Presentations
Certified Software Carpentry Instructor
I also run a biweekly bioinformatics help session
Instructor, Workshop in Environmental DNA
University of Otago
Dunedin & Auckland, NZ
Present - 2019
- Designed from bottom up course to teach methods & concepts for eDNA metabarcoding
Instructor, Software/Data Carpentry
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ
Present - 2018
- Teaching basic and advanced bioinformatic skills using live coding in a team-teaching environment
Exploring plant genomic biodiversity in South Australia
Presented at the CBA Biodiversity Genomics Conference, Canberra, Australia
N/A
2013
- Cross, H.B., Biffin, E., van Dijk, K. Waycott, M.
Tales from the cryptogams, fungal DNA from museum collections
Plenary speaker at the Fourth International Barcode of Life Conference, Adelaide, Australia
N/A
2011
- Cross, H.B., Pringle, A.
Utilizing Grass DNA barcodes to Explore Australian Ecosystems
Presented at the International Botanical Congress, Melbourne, Australia
N/A
2011
- Cross, H.B., Murphy, D., Brown, A., Gardner, S., Syme, A., Jardine, D., Cantrill, D., Lowe, A.J.